The Strictly Come Dancing star, who is partnered with Gorka Marquez on the show, has been hit by a barrage of mean comments claiming her tears were “fake” after she got emotional on a number of occasions during the show.

The X Factor champion has faced a difficult week as it is, after finding herself in the bottom two on last weekend’s show.

But now, Alexandra has spoken out about the comments – and now feels like she can’t express her true emotions because of them.

Strictly Come Dancing: Alexandra Burke has spoken out[Wenn]

Alexandra Burke is partnered with Gorka Marquez[Instagram]

“Twitter seems to have given people permission to be incredibly hurtful,” Alexandra told Radio Times. “They don’t seem to realise that I have feelings and get upset.

“The saddest thing is that I started the show completely myself – my joy and my tears were 100 per cent genuine, however much people said they were fake – but I’m now so self-conscious, I try not to react at all in case people say, ‘Oh, look, here are the fake tears again’.

“I have struggled with some of the public reaction. I’ve never experienced anything like this.”

The Strictly star looks unfazed by trolls who have criticised her for her emotional displays [Wenn]

All the highlights from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing as a host of celebrities including Mollie King, Ruth Langsford and Aston Merrygold battle it out for the Strictly Glitter Ball

Strictly’s Alexandra Burke feels to ‘self conscious’ to CRY[BBC]

Fans have flocked to Twitter to defend the Hallelujah singer – who recently lost her mum – and blasted trolls for trying to ‘drag her down’.

“Horrible people! @alexandramusic is a lovely and caring lady anyone could meet xx,” one wrote.

“Loving @alexandramusic @bbcstrictly you and @gorkamarquez1 are amazing please ignore the trolls you have lots of support go get that glitter ball girl,” another commented..

Alexandra Burke was one of the first Strictly Come Dancing contestants to score three tens[Getty]

While a third said: “Jesus Christ, she’s a young woman at the most vulnerable time in her life and you’re trying to make her break in front of millions!

“You should be building her up and giving love! Imagine it was your child grieving? How do you sleep at night.”